Sanchi
On a hill overlooking the plain, about 40 km from Bhopal, the site of Sanchi comprises a group of Buddhist monuments (monolithic pillars, palaces, temples and monasteries), all in different states of conservation and mainly dating back to the 2nd and 1st centuries B.C. Sanchi is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence and was a major centre in India until the 12th century AD.

Sanchi Stupa

Around Sanchi

At Udayagiri, near Vidiśā, are a series of simple rock-cut caves dating from the beggining of the 5th century. The sculpture, made of soft stone, has suffered greatly, but whatever has survived reveals a style that emphasizes strength and power. Perhaps the most magnificent work is a great relief panel depicting the boar incarnation of Vishnu lifting the earth goddess from the watery depths into which she had been dragged by a demon.

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. In massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period through to the historical period.

Located in the Satpura ranges, Pachmarhi is an idyllic hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi is a place where nature appears in delicate form in numerous charming ways. Green shades envelope the mountains and all about one can hear the placid mutter of flowing water. Bristle paths lead into peaceful forest basins, orchards of jamun, dense sal forests and delicate bamboo thickets.

Varanasi and Sarnath
After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, the Buddha went to Sarnath, where he preached his first discourse in the Deer Park to set in motion the Wheel of the Dharma.

Picturesquely situated on the crescent-shaped left bank of the holy Ganga, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in India.
From time immemorial it has been an important religious center for Hindus, and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, visited by millions every year.

Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. Here, under the Bodhi Tree, Gautama attained supreme awakening and became the Buddha.

Bodh Gaya the Mahabodhi Stupa

The magnificent Mahabodhi temple dispays architecture from the Gupta and later ages as well as inscriptions describing visits of pilgrims from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and China between the 7th and 10th centuries.

Bodh Gaya by Night

Rajgir

Rajagriha, in the Patna district, was the ancient capital city of the Magadha kings. The Buddha often came here to retreat at the Jivkamaravana monastery in a beautiful orchard. The rich merchant community became the Buddha’s followers. The Buddha converted the Mauryan king Bimbisara, one of his most celebrated followers.
At the Griddhakuta hill, he delivered his sermons on the perfection of wisdom.